UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2004
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-566
GREIF, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (740) 549-6000
Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock at the close of business on July 31, 2004 was as follows:
Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Nine months ended
July 31,
Net sales
Costs of products sold
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring charges
Gain on sale of assets
Operating profit
Interest expense, net
Other income (expense), net
Income before income tax expense and equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests
Income tax expense
Equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
Net income
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Class A Common Stock (before cumulative effect)
Class A Common Stock (after cumulative effect)
Class B Common Stock (before cumulative effect)
Class B Common Stock (after cumulative effect)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
2004
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $12,535 in 2004 and $10,286 in 2003
Inventories
Net assets held for sale
Deferred tax assets
Other current assets
Long-term assets
Goodwill, net of amortization
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
Investment in affiliates
Other long-term assets
Properties, plants and equipment
Timber properties, net of depletion
Land
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Capital projects in progress
Accumulated depreciation
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
Accrued payrolls and employee benefits
Restructuring reserves
Short-term borrowings
Current portion of long-term debt
Other current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred tax liability
Postretirement benefit liability
Other long-term liabilities
Minority interest
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, without par value
Treasury stock, at cost
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
- foreign currency translation
- interest rate derivatives
- minimum pension liability
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Asset impairments
Deferred income taxes
Gain on disposals of properties, plants and equipment, net
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends received, and minority interests
Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Acquisition of timber properties
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from disposals of properties, plants and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt
Payments on short-term borrowings
Dividends paid
Acquisitions of treasury stock
Exercise of stock options
Net cash used in financing activities
Effects of exchange rates on cash
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 31, 2004
NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2004 and October 31, 2003, the consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 of Greif, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 (the “2003 Form 10-K”).
The Company’s fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references to the year 2004 or 2003, or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ending in that year.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.
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Stock-Based Compensation
At July 31, 2004, the Company had various stock-based compensation plans as described in Note 10 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2003 Form 10-K. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. If compensation cost would have been determined based on fair values at the date of grant under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” pro forma net income and earnings per share would have been as follows (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three months
ended July 31,
Nine months
Net income as reported
Deduct total stock option expense determined under fair value method, net of tax
Pro forma net income
Earnings per share:
Class A Common Stock:
Basic earnings per share:
As reported
Pro forma
Diluted earnings per share:
Class B Common Stock:
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
NOTE 2 — RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a revision to SFAS No. 132, “Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” The revision relates to employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not alter the measurement or recognition provisions of the original SFAS No. 132. It requires additional disclosures regarding assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit costs of pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. Excluding certain disclosure requirements, the revised Statement is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ended after December 15, 2003. Interim period disclosures are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003 and have been included in Note 14 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.
NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES
Inventories are summarized as follows (Dollars in thousands):
Finished goods
Raw materials and work-in-process
Reduction to state inventories on last-in, first-out basis
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NOTE 4 — NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and land improvements less accumulated depreciation for locations that meet the classification requirements of net assets held for sale as defined in SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” As of July 31, 2004, there were 13 facilities held for sale. The net assets held for sale are being marketed for sale and it is the Company’s intention to complete the sales within the upcoming year.
NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company periodically reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment as required by SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The Company has concluded that no impairment exists at this time.
Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine-month period ended July 31, 2004 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
Balance at October 31, 2003
Goodwill acquired
Goodwill adjustments
Currency translation
Balance at July 31, 2004
The goodwill acquired relates to refinements to the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of a small steel drum company in Europe in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment and refinements to the allocation of the investment in CorrChoice, Inc. in the Paper, Packaging & Services segment.
The goodwill adjustments primarily relate to the recognition of cash surrender value for reinsurance contracts that are used to fund pension payments in Europe. This adjustment relates to the Van Leer Industrial Packaging acquisition and was recorded in the second quarter of 2004.
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All other intangible assets for the periods presented, except for $3.4 million, net, related to the Tri-Sure Trademark, are subject to amortization and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods that range from two to 20 years. The detail of other intangible assets by class as of July 31, 2004 and October 31, 2003 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
Gross
Intangible
Assets
Net
July 31, 2004:
Trademarks and patents
Non-compete agreements
Customer relationships
Other
Total
October 31, 2003:
During the first nine months of 2004, there were no significant acquisitions of other intangible assets. Amortization expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 was $3.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be $4.0 million in 2004, $3.6 million in 2005, $2.9 million in 2006, $2.5 million in 2007 and $2.4 million in 2008.
In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” the Company recorded a $4.8 million gain as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for its remaining unamortized negative goodwill upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142 in the first quarter of 2003.
NOTE 6 — INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES
The Company has an investment in Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer (40%) that is accounted for under the equity method. During the third quarter of 2004, the Company’s investment in Socer-Embalagens, Lda. (25%) was sold, which resulted in a loss of $0.3 million. The Company’s share of earnings for these affiliates is included in income as earned.
The summarized unaudited financial information below represents the combined results of those entities accounted for by the equity method (Dollars in thousands):
NOTE 7 — RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During 2003, the Company began its transformation initiatives, which are expected to enhance long-term organic sales growth and productivity and achieve permanent cost reductions. As a
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result, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $60.7 million in 2003 and $39.9 million during the first nine months of 2004. The Company anticipates incurring additional restructuring charges of approximately $10 million to $15 million during the remainder of 2004, which is $5 million higher than previously disclosed due to additional opportunities identified this year.
As part of the transformation initiatives, the Company closed four company-owned plants (three in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment and one in the Paper, Packaging & Services segment) during the nine months ended July 31, 2004. All of the plants are located in North America. In addition, administrative staff reductions have continued throughout the world. As a result of the transformation initiatives, during the first nine months of 2004, the Company recognized pre-tax restructuring charges of $39.9 million, consisting of $12.5 million in employee separation costs, $2.6 million in asset impairments and $24.8 million in other costs, which were primarily for consulting services in connection with the transformation initiatives. The asset impairment charges, which relate to the write-down to fair value of buildings and equipment, are based on recent buy offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from the Company’s commercial real estate broker. A total of approximately 1,200 employees have been terminated in connection with the transformation initiatives, 600 of which were terminated during the nine months ended July 31, 2004. For each of the Company’s business segments, amounts incurred in the third quarter of 2004, the cumulative amounts incurred from the start of the transformation initiatives through July 31, 2004 and the total amounts expected to be incurred in connection with the transformation initiatives through October 31, 2004 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
Amounts
Incurred inthe CurrentPeriod
CumulativeAmounts
Incurred toDate
Industrial Packaging & Services:
Employee separation costs
Other costs
Paper, Packaging & Services:
Timber:
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Following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the nine-month period ended July 31, 2004 (Dollars in thousands):
Cash charges:
Non-cash charges:
NOTE 8 — LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows (Dollars in thousands):
$550 million Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement
8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
Trade accounts receivable credit facility
Other long-term debt
Current portion
On August 23, 2002, the Company and certain of its non-United States subsidiaries entered into a $550 million Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement originally provided for a $300 million term loan and a $250 million revolving multicurrency credit facility. The revolving multicurrency credit facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes, and has been permanently reduced to $240 million. On February 11, 2004, the Company amended its term loan under the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement. As a result of the amendment, the term loan was increased from its balance then outstanding of $226 million to $250 million, and the applicable margin was lowered by 50 basis points while maintaining the existing maturity schedule. The incremental borrowings under the term loan were used to reduce borrowings under the revolving multicurrency credit facility. The term loan periodically reduces through its maturity date of August 23, 2009 and the revolving multicurrency credit facility matures on February 28, 2006.
On July 31, 2002, the Company issued Senior Subordinated Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $250 million, receiving net proceeds of approximately
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$248 million before expenses. At July 31, 2004, the outstanding balance of $250.8 million included gains on fair value hedges the Company has in place to hedge interest rate risk. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes is payable semi-annually at the annual rate of 8.875%. The Senior Subordinated Notes do not have required principal payments prior to maturity on August 1, 2012. However, the Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company beginning August 1, 2007, at the redemption prices set forth below (expressed as percentages of principal amount), plus accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date:
Year
2007
2008
2009
2010 and thereafter
In addition, prior to August 1, 2007, the Company may redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes by paying a specified “make-whole” premium.
A description of the guarantors of the Senior Subordinated Notes by the Company’s United States subsidiaries is included in Note 16.
Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility
On October 31, 2003, the Company entered into a five-year, up to $120 million credit facility with an affiliate of a bank in connection with the securitization of certain of the Company’s United States trade accounts receivable. The credit facility is secured by certain of the Company’s United States trade accounts receivable and bears interest at a variable rate based on the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin or other agreed upon rate (1.40% interest rate as of July 31, 2004). The Company also pays a commitment fee. The Company can terminate this facility at any time upon 60 days prior written notice. In connection with this transaction, the Company established Greif Receivables Funding LLC, which is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This entity purchases and services the Company’s trade accounts receivable that are subject to this credit facility.
NOTE 9 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company had interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $345 million at July 31, 2004, with various maturities through 2012. Under certain of these agreements, the Company receives interest quarterly from the counterparties equal to the LIBOR rate and pays interest at a weighted average rate of 5.6% over the life of the contracts. The Company is also party to agreements in which the Company receives interest semi-annually from the counterparty equal to a fixed rate of 8.875% and pays interest based on the LIBOR rate plus a spread. At July 31, 2004, a net liability for the loss on interest rate swap contracts, which represented their fair values at that time, in the amount of $10.1 million ($7.2 million net of tax) was recorded.
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At July 31, 2004, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $36.3 million. The fair value of these contracts at July 31, 2004 resulted in a loss of $0.5 million recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The purpose of these contracts is to hedge short-term intercompany loan balances with foreign businesses.
While the Company may be exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to its derivative financial instrument contracts, its counterparties are established banks and financial institutions with high credit ratings. The Company has no reason to believe that such counterparties will not be able to fully satisfy their obligations under these contracts.
The fair values of all derivative financial instruments are estimated based on current settlement prices of comparable contracts obtained from dealer quotes. The values represent the estimated amounts the Company would pay or receive to terminate the agreements at the reporting date.
NOTE 10 — CAPITAL STOCK
Class A Common Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of 1 cent a share per year after which Class B Common Stock is entitled to non-cumulative dividends up to 1/2 cent per share per year. Further distribution in any year must be made in proportion of 1 cent a share for Class A Common Stock to 1 1/2 cents a share for Class B Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock has no voting rights unless four quarterly cumulative dividends upon the Class A Common Stock are in arrears. The Class B Common Stock has full voting rights. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
The following table summarizes the Company’s Class A and Class B common and treasury shares at the specified dates:
Issued
Shares
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NOTE 11 — DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
The following dividends per share were paid during the periods indicated:
NOTE 12 — CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company has two classes of common stock and, as such, applies the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” In accordance with the Statement, earnings are allocated first to Class A and Class B Common Stock to the extent that dividends are actually paid and the remainder allocated assuming all of the earnings for the period have been distributed in the form of dividends.
The following is a reconciliation of the average shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
Basic shares
Assumed conversion of stock options
Diluted shares
Basic and diluted shares
There were 20,000 stock options that were antidilutive for the nine-month period ended July 31, 2004 (1,889,530 for the three-month and nine-month periods, respectively, ended July 31, 2003). No stock options were antidilutive for the three-month period ended July 31, 2004.
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NOTE 13 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other charges and credits to equity that are not the result of transactions with the Company’s owners. The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Change in market value of interest rate derivatives, net of tax
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
Comprehensive income
NOTE 14 — RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
The components of net periodic pension cost include the following (Dollars in thousands):
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost, initial net asset and net actuarial gain
The Company made $6.7 million in pension contributions in the first three quarters of 2004. Based on minimum funding requirements, pension contributions for the entire 2004 fiscal year are estimated at $10.7 million.
The components of net periodic cost for postretirement benefits include the following (Dollars in thousands):
Amortization of net prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss
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On December 8, 2003, the “Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least “actuarially equivalent” to Medicare Part D.
The Company has determined that its plan is actuarially equivalent and has compared the Medicare Part D plan to its retiree prescription drug coverage using actuarial equivalencies and reflecting the retiree premiums and cost sharing provisions of the various plans. This analysis shows the Company’s plans provide more valuable benefits to retirees than the Medicare Part D plan. The adjustment is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. As permitted in FASB Staff Position FAS 106-1, the Company elected to defer recognition of the expected subsidy from the Medicare Act. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position FAS 106-2, which provides additional guidance and disclosure for the subsidy. Staff Position FAS 106-2 will be effective for the Company in the fourth quarter of 2004.
NOTE 15 — BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates in three business segments: Industrial Packaging & Services; Paper, Packaging & Services; and Timber.
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” note (see Note 1) in the 2003 Form 10-K, except that the Company accounts for inventories on a first-in, first-out basis at the segment level compared to a last-in, first-out basis at the consolidated level for most locations in the United States.
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The following segment information is presented for the periods indicated (Dollars in thousands):
Industrial Packaging & Services
Paper, Packaging & Services
Timber
Total net sales
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains:
Total operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains
Restructuring charges:
Total restructuring charges
Timberland gains:
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
Assets:
Total segment
Corporate and other
Total assets
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The following table presents net sales to external customers by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):
North America
Europe
The following table presents total assets by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):
NOTE 16 — SUMMARIZED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Senior Subordinated Notes, more fully described in Note 8 – Long-Term Debt, are fully guaranteed, jointly and severally, by the Company’s United States subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Company’s non-United States subsidiaries are not guaranteeing the Senior Subordinated Notes (“Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Presented below are summarized condensed consolidating financial statements of Greif, Inc. (the “Parent”), which includes certain of the Company’s operating units, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Company on a consolidated basis.
These summarized condensed consolidating financial statements are prepared using the equity method. Separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented based on management’s determination that they do not provide additional information that is material to investors.
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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Three months ended July 31, 2004
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-Guarantor
Cost of products sold
Other income (expense), net (1)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Three months ended July 31, 2003
Operating profit (loss)
Interest expense (income), net
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Nine months ended July 31, 2004
Nine months ended July 31, 2003
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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
July 31, 2004
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Properties, plants and equipment, net
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion long-term debt
October 31, 2003
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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the nine months ended July 31, 2004
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Proceeds on disposals of properties, plants and equipment
Acquisition of treasury stock
For the nine months ended July 31, 2003
Proceeds from long-term debt
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The terms “Greif,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” as used in this discussion refer to Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references in this Form 10-Q to the years 2004 or 2003, or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ending in that year.
OVERVIEW
We operate in three business segments: Industrial Packaging & Services; Paper, Packaging & Services; and Timber.
We are a leading global provider of industrial packaging products such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial shipping containers and polycarbonate water bottles. We seek to provide complete packaging solutions to our customers by offering a comprehensive range of products and services on a global basis. We sell our products to customers in industries such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others.
We sell our containerboard, corrugated sheets and other corrugated products and multiwall bags to customers in North America. Our corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications. Our full line of industrial and consumer multiwall bag products is used to ship a wide range of industrial and consumer products, such as fertilizers, chemicals, concrete, flour, sugar, feed, seed, pet foods, popcorn, charcoal and salt. Our products are primarily sold to the agricultural, automotive, chemical, building products, food and packaging industries.
As of July 31, 2004, we owned approximately 278,000 acres of timberland in the southeastern United States and approximately 40,000 acres of timberland in Canada. Our timber management in the United States is focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of our timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields on our timberland. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, we seek to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of market and weather conditions. Our Canadian timberland is not actively managed at this time.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements.
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A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2003 Form 10-K. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of the consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. The following are the accounting policies that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.
We own timber properties in the southeastern United States and in Canada. With respect to our United States timber properties, which are being actively managed, depletion expense is computed on the basis of cost and the estimated recoverable timber acquired. Our land costs are maintained by tract. Merchantable timber costs are maintained by five product classes, pine sawtimber, pine chip-n-saw, pine pulpwood, hardwood sawtimber and hardwood
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pulpwood, within a “depletion block,” with each depletion block based upon a geographic district or subdistrict. Currently, we have 12 depletion blocks. These same depletion blocks are used for pre-merchantable timber costs. Each year we estimate the volume of our merchantable timber for the five product classes by each depletion block. These estimates are based on the current state in the growth cycle and not on quantities to be available in future years. Our estimates do not include costs to be incurred in the future. We then project these volumes to the end of the year. Upon acquisition of a new timberland tract, we record separate amounts for land, merchantable timber and pre-merchantable timber allocated as a percentage of the values being purchased. These acquisition volumes and costs acquired during the year are added to the totals for each product class within the appropriate depletion block(s). The total of the beginning, one-year growth and acquisition volumes are divided by the total undepleted historical cost to arrive at a depletion rate, which is then used for the current year. As timber is sold, we multiply the volumes sold by the depletion rate for the current year to arrive at the depletion cost.
We believe that the lives and methods of determining depreciation and depletion are reasonable; however, using other lives and methods could provide materially different results.
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Our reserves for environmental liabilities at July 31, 2004 amounted to $9.0 million, which included a reserve of $4.9 million related to our facility in Lier, Belgium and $4.1 million for asserted and unasserted environmental litigation, claims and/or assessments at several manufacturing sites or other locations where we believe the outcome of such matters will be unfavorable to us. The environmental exposures for those sites included in the $4.1 million reserve were not individually significant. The reserve for the Lier, Belgium site is based on environmental studies that have been conducted at this location. The Lier, Belgium site is being monitored by the Public Flemish Waste Company (“PFWC”), which is the Belgian body for waste control. The PFWC must approve all remediation efforts that are undertaken by us at this site.
We anticipate that expenditures in future periods for remediation costs at identified sites will be over an extended period of time. Given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures, actual costs may vary from those estimated at July 31, 2004. Our exposure to adverse developments with respect to any individual site is not expected to be material. Although environmental remediation could have a material effect on results of operations if a series of adverse developments occur in a particular quarter or fiscal year, we believe that the chance of such developments occurring in the same quarter or fiscal year is remote. Future information and developments will require us to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.
Other items that could have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements include the risks and uncertainties listed in this Form 10-Q under the “Forward-Looking Statements; Certain Factors Affecting Future Results” below. Actual results could differ materially using different estimates and assumptions or if conditions are significantly different in the future.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following comparative information is presented for the three-month and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003. Historically, revenues or earnings may or may not be representative of future operating results due to various economic and other factors.
The non-GAAP financial measure of operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains is used throughout the following discussion of our results of operations (except with respect to the segment discussions for Industrial Packaging & Services and Paper, Packaging & Services, where timberland gains are not applicable). Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains is equal to the GAAP operating profit plus restructuring charges less timberland gains. We use operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains because we believe that this measure provides a better indication of our operational performance than the corresponding GAAP measure because it excludes restructuring charges, which are not representative of ongoing operations, and timberland gains, which are volatile from period to period, and it provides a more stable platform on which to compare our historical performance.
Third Quarter Results
Overview
Net sales rose 18 percent to $584.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $496.8 million for the same quarter last year. Net sales increased approximately 14 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. Higher selling prices and volumes in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment and higher volumes in the Paper, Packaging & Services segment contributed to this increase.
GAAP operating profit was $31.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with GAAP operating profit of $21.2 million for the same period last year.
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains increased 22 percent to $43.2 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $35.3 million for the same period last year. There were $12.3 million and $16.6 million of restructuring charges and $0.9 million and $2.5 million of timberland gains during the third quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.
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The following table sets forth the net sales and operating profit for each of our business segments (Dollars in thousands):
Net sales:
Operating profit:
Operating profit, before restructuring chargesand timberland gains:
Total operating profit before restructuringcharges and timberland gains
Total operating profit
Segment Review
Net sales rose 18 percent to $436.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $370.4 million for the same period last year. Net sales increased 13 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. Selling prices rose primarily in response to higher raw material costs, especially steel, and contributed to the increase in net sales for the third quarter of 2004. Additionally, sales volumes were generally higher for steel and plastic drums for the quarter.
GAAP operating profit was $23.6 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $16.2 million for the third quarter of 2003.
Operating profit before restructuring charges rose to $34.0 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $27.1 million for the same period a year ago. Restructuring charges were $10.4 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $10.9 million a year ago. The Industrial Packaging & Services segment’s gross profit margin benefited from labor and other manufacturing efficiencies resulting from transformation initiatives, partially offset by higher raw material costs. SG&A expenses also reflect a portion of the savings from this segment’s transformation initiatives.
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Net sales rose 20 percent to $143.6 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $119.5 million for the same period last year due to generally improved volumes for this segment’s products.
GAAP operating profit was $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with GAAP operating loss of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2003.
Operating profit before restructuring charges was $5.8 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $3.6 million the prior year. Restructuring charges were $1.9 million for the third quarter of 2004 versus $5.6 million a year ago. The increase in operating profit before restructuring charges was primarily due to improved sales volumes, partially offset by a decline in gross profit margin resulting from higher raw material costs, particularly old corrugated containers (“OCC”), and higher energy costs in the containerboard operations. Lower SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2004 compared with the same quarter last year also contributed to this improvement.
Timber net sales were $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $6.9 million for the same period last year. These net sales were consistent with planned levels for both periods.
GAAP operating profit was $4.3 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared with $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2003.
As a result of the lower planned sales volume, operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains was $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $4.6 million a year ago. Restructuring charges were $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2003. Timberland gains were $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2004 and $2.5 million for the same period last year.
Cost of Products Sold
The cost of products sold, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 82.9 percent for the third quarter of 2004 from 82.1 percent for the third quarter of 2003. The principal factors impacting the 80 basis point increase were higher raw material costs, particularly steel and OCC, lower planned timber sales, which have a relatively lower cost as a percentage of net sales than our other products, and higher energy costs. These factors were partially offset by improved efficiencies in labor and other manufacturing costs, which benefited from the ongoing transformation initiatives and higher prices on certain industrial packaging products.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $57.1 million, or 9.8 percent of net sales, for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $54.6 million, or 11.0 percent of net sales, for the same period a year ago. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily attributable to higher employee benefit costs and the approximate $1.5 million impact of foreign currency, partially offset by additional savings realized from our ongoing transformation initiatives.
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Restructuring Charges
As a result of our transformation initiatives, during the third quarter of 2004, we recognized restructuring charges of $12.3 million, consisting of $3.4 million in employee separation costs, $0.3 million in asset impairments and $8.6 million in other costs, which were primarily for consulting services in connection with the transformation initiatives.
For further information, see the “Year-to-Date Results—Segment Review - Restructuring Charges” and “Transformation Initiatives” sections below.
Gain on Sale of Assets
Gain on sale of assets decreased to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2004 as compared to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2003 primarily due to lower gains on the sale of timber properties of $1.6 million.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net declined to $10.9 million for the third quarter of 2004 from $12.5 million for the same period last year. This 13 percent decrease was primarily due to a $25 million, or 4 percent, reduction in average debt outstanding and lower average interest rates during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income, net was $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2004 versus other expense, net of $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily due to certain foreign exchange losses incurred in the third quarter of last year.
Income Tax Expense
The effective tax rate was 28.4 percent and 32.0 percent in the third quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively, resulting in an income tax expense of $6.0 million for the third quarter of 2004 and $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2003. The lower effective tax rate was primarily due to a change in the mix of income outside the United States.
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates and Minority Interests
Equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests was a charge of $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2004 as compared to a charge of $1.1 million in the same period in 2003. Prior to September 30, 2003, we had a 63 percent investment in CorrChoice, Inc. (“CorrChoice”). As such, a 37 percent, or $0.9 million, deduction of CorrChoice’s net income related to its minority shareholders was recorded in the third quarter of 2003. In the fourth quarter of 2003, our ownership increased to 100 percent due to CorrChoice’s redemption of its minority shareholders’ outstanding shares. Therefore, no such deduction was made in fiscal 2004.
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Net Income
Based on the foregoing, we recorded net income of $14.9 million for the third quarter of 2004 compared to $3.6 million in the same period last year. As noted above, the results for both of these periods were significantly impacted by restructuring charges.
Year-to-Date Results
Net sales rose 14 percent to $1.6 billion for the first nine months of 2004 from $1.4 billion during the same period last year. Net sales increased approximately 9 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. Higher selling prices and volumes in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment and higher volumes in the Paper, Packaging & Services segment contributed to this increase.
GAAP operating profit was $61.4 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with GAAP operating profit of $44.1 million for the same period last year.
Operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains increased 26 percent to $95.1 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $75.2 million for the same period last year. There were $39.9 million and $35.6 million of restructuring charges and $6.2 million and $4.5 million of timberland gains during the nine month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
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Net sales rose 15 percent to $1.2 billion for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 from $1.0 billion for the same period last year. Net sales increased 8 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. Selling prices rose in response to higher raw material costs, especially steel, and contributed to the increase in net sales. Additionally, sales volumes were generally higher for steel and plastic drums.
GAAP operating profit was $38.7 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $18.9 million for the first nine months of 2003. This segment’s results have been significantly impacted by a high level of restructuring charges for the periods presented.
Operating profit before restructuring charges rose to $70.6 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $44.6 million for the same period a year ago. Restructuring charges were $31.9 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $25.6 million a year ago. The Industrial Packaging & Services segment’s gross profit margin benefited from labor and other manufacturing efficiencies resulting from transformation initiatives, partially offset by higher raw material costs. SG&A expenses also reflect a portion of the savings from this segment’s transformation initiatives.
Net sales rose 12 percent to $407.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 from $365.0 million for the same period last year. Improved volumes for most of this segment’s products were partially offset by lower average selling prices in the containerboard operations.
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GAAP operating profit was $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $6.5 million for the same period last year.
Operating profit before restructuring charges was $10.9 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $16.8 million for the first nine months of the prior year. Restructuring charges were $7.8 million for the first nine months of 2004 versus $9.8 million a year ago. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in gross profit margin resulting from reduced pricing levels and higher raw material costs, particularly for OCC, and energy costs in the containerboard operations. Lower SG&A expenses for the first nine months of 2004 compared with the same period last year partially offset this reduction.
Timber net sales were $15.7 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 compared with $20.4 million for the same period last year. These net sales were consistent with planned levels for both periods.
GAAP operating profit was $16.9 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared with $18.6 million for the first nine months of 2003.
As a result of the lower planned sales volume, operating profit before restructuring charges and timberland gains was $10.9 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $14.3 million a year ago. Restructuring charges were $0.2 million for the first nine months of both 2004 and 2003. Timberland gains were $6.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 and $4.5 million for the first nine months of 2003.
The cost of products sold, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 83.8 percent for the first nine months of 2004 from 82.4 percent for the first nine months of 2003. The principal factors impacting the 140 basis point increase were higher raw material costs, particularly steel and OCC, lower planned timber sales, which have a relatively lower cost as a percentage of net sales than our other products, and higher energy costs. Improved efficiencies in labor and other manufacturing costs, which benefited from our ongoing transformation initiatives, partially offset these factors.
SG&A expenses were $163.9 million, or 10.3 percent of net sales, for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $173.1 million, or 12.4 percent of net sales, for the same period a year ago. The decline in SG&A expenses was primarily attributable to realization of additional savings from our transformation initiatives. The dollar reduction in SG&A expenses was partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation (approximately $7 million).
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As part of our transformation initiatives, we closed four company-owned plants (three in the Industrial Packaging & Services segment and one in the Paper, Packaging & Services segment) during the nine months ended July 31, 2004. All of the plants were located in North America. In addition, administrative staff reductions have continued throughout the world. As a result of our transformation initiatives, during the nine months ended July 31, 2004, we recognized restructuring charges of $39.9 million, consisting of $12.5 million in employee separation costs, $2.6 million in asset impairments and $24.8 million in other costs, which were primarily for consulting services in connection with the transformation initiatives. The asset impairment charges, which relate to the write-down to far value of buildings and equipment, were based on recent buy offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from our commercial real estate broker. A total of approximately 1200 employees have been terminated in connection with the transformation initiatives, 600 of which were terminated during the nine months ended July 31, 2004.
For further information, see the “Transformation Initiatives” section below.
Gain on sale of assets increased to $6.5 million for the first nine months of 2004 as compared to $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2003 primarily due to higher gains on the sale of timber properties of $1.7 million.
Interest expense, net declined to $33.8 million for the first nine months of 2004 from $40.0 million for the same period last year. This 16 percent decrease was primarily due to a $15 million, or 2 percent, reduction in average debt outstanding and lower average interest rates during the first nine months of 2004 compared to the first nine months of 2003.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net was $1.2 million for the first nine months of 2004 versus $0.5 million for the first nine months of 2003. The increase was primarily due to certain foreign exchange losses recorded in the 2003 results.
The effective tax rate was 29.0 percent and 32.0 percent for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively, resulting in an income tax expense of $8.3 million for the first nine months of 2004 and $1.5 million for the first nine months of 2003. The lower effective tax rate was primarily due to a change in the mix of income outside the United States.
Equity in earnings of affiliates and minority interests was a charge of $0.5 million for the first nine months of 2004 as compared to a charge of $3.8 million in the same period in 2003. Prior to September 30, 2003, we had a 63 percent investment in CorrChoice. As such, we had a 37 percent, or $3.5 million, deduction of CorrChoice’s net income related to its minority shareholders in the first nine months of 2003. In the fourth quarter of 2003, our ownership increased to 100 percent resulting from CorrChoice’s redemption of its minority shareholders’ outstanding shares. Therefore, no such deduction was made for the first nine months of 2004.
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Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
During the first quarter of 2003, we recorded a $4.8 million gain as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle resulting from the adjustment of our unamortized negative goodwill in accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” upon the adoption of SFAS No. 142.
Based on the foregoing, we recorded net income of $20.0 million for the first nine months of 2004 compared to $4.1 million in the same period last year. As noted above, the results for both of these periods were significantly impacted by restructuring charges.
Transformation Initiatives
Our transformation initiatives continue to enhance long-term organic sales growth and productivity, and achieve permanent cost reductions. The focus during 2003 was primarily on SG&A optimization, which is expected to result in annual cost savings of $60 million realized in 2004.
In 2004, the focus has been on becoming an even leaner, more market-focused / performance-driven company. This final phase of the transformation is expected to deliver additional annualized benefits of approximately $50 million, with about $15 million of those savings to be realized in fiscal 2004 and the remainder in fiscal 2005. The opportunities include, but are not limited to, improved labor productivity, material yield and other manufacturing efficiencies, coupled with further footprint consolidation. The related one-time costs for this final phase will be approximately $50 million to $55 million in 2004, which is $5 million higher than previously disclosed due to additional opportunities identified this year. Approximately $10 million to $15 million of this amount will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2004. In addition, we have launched a strategic sourcing initiative to more effectively leverage our global spending and lay the foundation for a world-class sourcing and supply chain capability.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary sources of liquidity are operating cash flows, the proceeds from our Senior Subordinated Notes and trade accounts receivable credit facility, and borrowings under our Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, discussed below. We have used these sources to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, cash dividends, common stock repurchases and acquisitions. We anticipate continuing to fund these items in a like manner. We currently expect that operating cash flows, the proceeds from our Senior Subordinated Notes and trade accounts receivable credit facility, and borrowings under our Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt repayment and other liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.
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Capital Expenditures
During the first three quarters of 2004, we invested $46.6 million in capital expenditures, which are not expected to exceed $65 million in 2004. The capital expenditures expectation represents a $10 to $15 million reduction from the balance originally anticipated, which is primarily due to the timing of certain purchases and capital projects. In addition to our capital expenditures, we acquired timber properties for use in our Timber segment operations.
Balance Sheet Changes
The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to higher sales in the third quarter of 2004 as compared with the fourth quarter of 2003. In addition, the timing of receipts from customers has been extended in certain circumstances due to seasonality considerations.
Net assets held for sale has increased due to our transformation initiatives. We now have 13 properties classified as held for sale versus eight properties at October 31, 2003.
Goodwill has decreased, and other long-term assets has increased, primarily as a result of an adjustment to recognize the cash surrender value of reinsurance contracts that are used to fund pension payments in Europe. The adjustment, which relates to the Van Leer Industrial Packaging acquisition, was recorded in the second quarter of 2004.
Accounts payable increased due to higher raw material costs and the timing of payments made to our suppliers.
Long-term debt has decreased due to payments made during the first three quarters of 2004. We expect to continue repaying debt throughout the fourth quarter of 2004 from cash generated by our operating activities.
Borrowing Arrangements
On August 23, 2002, we and certain of our non-United States subsidiaries entered into a $550 million Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement originally provided for a $300 million term loan and a $250 million revolving multicurrency credit facility. The revolving multicurrency credit facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes, and has been permanently reduced to $240 million. On February 11, 2004, we amended our term loan under the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement. As a result of the amendment, the term loan was increased from its balance then outstanding of $226 million to $250
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million, and the applicable margin was lowered by 50 basis points while maintaining the existing maturity schedule. The incremental borrowings under the term loan were used to reduce borrowings under the revolving multicurrency credit facility. Interest is based on either a London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or an alternative base rate that resets periodically plus a calculated margin amount. As of July 31, 2004, there was a total of $261.3 million outstanding under the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement.
The Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, which include financial covenants that require us to maintain a certain leverage ratio, a minimum coverage of interest expense and fixed charges, and a minimum net worth. At July 31, 2004, we were in compliance with these covenants. The terms of the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement also limit our ability to make “restricted payments,” which include dividends and purchases, redemptions and acquisitions of equity interests. The repayment of this facility is secured by a first lien on substantially all of the personal property and certain of the real property of Greif and its United States subsidiaries and, in part, by the capital stock of the non-United States borrowers and any intercompany notes payable to them.
8 7/8 % Senior Subordinated Notes
On July 31, 2002, we issued Senior Subordinated Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $250 million, receiving net proceeds of approximately $248 million before expenses. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes is payable semi-annually at the annual rate of 8.875%. The Senior Subordinated Notes do not have required principal payments prior to maturity on August 1, 2012. As of July 31, 2004, there was a total of $250.8 million outstanding under the Senior Subordinated Notes. The increase in the balance as compared to the proceeds originally received was primarily due to the recording of gains on fair value hedges we have in place to hedge interest rate risk.
The Indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes were issued contains certain covenants. At July 31, 2004, we were in compliance with these covenants. The terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes also limit our ability to make “restricted payments,” which include dividends and purchases, redemptions and acquisitions of equity interests.
On October 31, 2003, we entered into a five-year, up to $120 million credit facility with an affiliate of a bank in connection with the securitization of certain of our United States trade accounts receivable. The facility is secured by certain of our United States trade accounts receivable and bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin or other agreed upon rate. We also pay a commitment fee. We can terminate the facility at any time upon 60 days prior written notice. In connection with this transaction, we established Greif Receivables Funding LLC, which is included in our consolidated financial statements. This entity purchases and services our trade accounts receivable that are subject to this credit facility. As of July 31, 2004, there was a total of $89.0 million outstanding under the trade accounts receivable credit facility.
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The trade accounts receivable credit facility provides that in the event we breach any of our financial covenants under the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, and the majority of the lenders thereunder consent to a waiver thereof, but the provider of the trade accounts receivable credit facility does not consent to any such waiver, then we must within 90 days of providing notice of the breach pay all amounts outstanding under the trade accounts receivable credit facility.
Contractual Obligations
As of July 31, 2004, we had the following contractual obligations (Dollars in millions):
Non-cancelableoperating leases
Total contractual cashobligations
Stock Repurchase Program
In February 1999, our Board of Directors authorized a one million-share stock repurchase program. During the first three quarters of 2004, we repurchased 814 shares of Class B Common Stock and 0 shares of Class A Common Stock. No shares of Class B Common Stock were purchased during the third quarter of 2004. As of July 31, 2004, we had repurchased 713,680 shares, including 435,476 shares of Class A Common Stock and 278,204 shares of Class B Common Stock. The total cost of the shares repurchased during 1999 through July 31, 2004 was $20.5 million.
Recent Accounting Standards
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Forward-Looking Statements; Certain Factors Affecting Future Results
All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-Q, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, goals and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe” or “continue” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q are based on information currently available to our management. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Such risks and uncertainties that could cause a difference include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions, including a prolonged or substantial economic downturn; changing trends and demands in the industries in which we compete, including industry over-capacity; industry competition; the continuing consolidation of our customer base for industrial packaging, containerboard and corrugated products; political instability in those foreign countries where we manufacture and sell our products; foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations; availability and costs of raw materials for the manufacture of our products, particularly steel and resin, and price fluctuations in energy costs; costs associated with litigation or claims against us pertaining to environmental, safety and health, product liability and other matters; work stoppages and other labor relations matters; property loss resulting from wars, acts of terrorism, or natural disasters; the frequency and volume of sales of our timber and timberland; and the deviation of actual results from the estimates and/or assumptions used by us in the application of our significant accounting policies. These and other risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our consolidated financial results are further discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
There has not been a significant change in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the Company’s market risk from the disclosures contained in the 2003 Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 15d–15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely making known to them material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Description of Exhibit
No events occurred requiring a Form 8-K to be filed during the third quarter of 2004.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereto duly authorized.
Greif, Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: September 7, 2004
/s/ Donald S. Huml
Donald S. Huml, Chief Financial
Officer (Duly Authorized Signatory)
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Form 10-Q
For Quarterly Period Ended July 31, 2004
EXHIBIT INDEX